Mushroom Drug Statistics 2024 By Best Compound

Introduction

Mushroom Drug Statistics: Psilocybin mushrooms, known as “magic mushrooms,” contain psychoactive compounds that affect mood and perception by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain.

Historically used in spiritual practices, particularly in Mesoamerican cultures, psilocybin is gaining attention for its potential to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction, with promising results from clinical trials.

However, their use carries risks, including psychological distress, especially for those with mental health conditions.

While psilocybin remains illegal in many places, decriminalization and medical research are increasing, particularly in areas like Oregon. Caution is advised due to potential misidentification and psychological effects.

Editor’s Choice

• The earliest recorded use of mushrooms for their therapeutic properties can be traced to 2000 BCE in China, where the reishi mushroom was revered for its immune-boosting and longevity-promoting effects.
• A 2016 survey in Nordic countries found that 39.2% of respondents in Norway picked magic mushrooms themselves or with a friend, while 8.33% grew their own.
• As of 2017, a survey of U.S. adults revealed that 63% supported allowing researchers to conduct medical trials using psilocybin, a psychedelic compound.
• Moreover, as of 2021, a survey of Canadian adults regarding the use of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy revealed that 40% of respondents agreed with allowing Canadians to use psilocybin as part of their therapy.
• A 2015 survey in Great Britain found that 45% of respondents considered magic mushroom use “very dangerous”, and 33% deemed it “fairly dangerous.”
• From 2000 to 2021, psilocybin clinical trials varied by condition and phase. For depression (MDD, TRD, and bipolar), there were 7 Phase 1 and 13 Phase 2 trials.
• Recent changes in local regulations, such as in Oregon, where psilocybin was decriminalized in 2020, have paved the way for regulated medical use in specific settings.

Mushroom Market Overview

Global Mushroom Market Size By Mushroom Drug Statistics

• The global mushroom market was valued at USD 56 billion in 2022 and is projected to experience steady growth over the coming years at a CAGR of 9.5%.
• In 2023, the market size is expected to increase to USD 62 billion, followed by further expansion to USD 67 billion in 2024.
• By 2025, the market is forecasted to reach USD 75 billion, continuing its upward trajectory to USD 83 billion by 2026.
• The market is anticipated to attain USD 89 billion in 2027, with further growth bringing the value to USD 95 billion by 2028.
• By 2029, the market is projected to reach USD 104 billion, and it is expected to continue its expansion, reaching USD 112 billion by 2030.
• The global mushroom market is predicted to maintain this growth pattern, ultimately reaching USD 123 billion in 2031 and USD 136 billion by 2032.

(Source: market.us)

Global Mushroom Market Size – Type By Mushroom Drug Statistics

• The global mushroom market, valued at USD 56 billion in 2022, is expected to experience significant growth across various mushroom types.
• In 2022, the button mushroom segment accounted for USD 21.95 billion, followed by oyster mushrooms at USD 17.02 billion, shiitake mushrooms at USD 10.08 billion, and other types contributing USD 6.94 billion.
• Further, by 2023, the total market size is projected to reach USD 62 billion, with button mushrooms growing to USD 24.30 billion, oyster mushrooms increasing to USD 18.85 billion, shiitake mushrooms reaching USD 11.16 billion, and other types expanding to USD 7.69 billion.
• The market is expected to continue its upward trend, with button mushrooms seeing consistent growth, reaching USD 53.31 billion by 2032.
• Oyster mushrooms are also forecasted to grow, attaining USD 41.34 billion by 2032, while shiitake mushrooms will rise to USD 24.48 billion, and other types will reach USD 16.86 billion by the same year.
• Overall, the mushroom market is projected to expand from USD 67 billion in 2024 to USD 136 billion by 2032, driven by robust demand across all mushroom categories.

(Source: market.us)

Mushroom Market Share – By End-user

• In 2022, the global mushroom market was primarily driven by the food industry, which held a dominant share of 42%.
• The pharmaceutical sector also played a significant role, accounting for 34% of the market share, while the cosmetics industry contributed 24%.
• These sectors reflect the diverse applications of mushrooms, with food being the largest end-user, followed by substantial contributions from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, highlighting the broad utilization of mushrooms across various industries.

(Source: market.us)

History and Evolution of Mushroom Drugs

• Mushroom drugs have a long and evolving history, dating back to ancient civilizations that used medicinal mushrooms for healing purposes.
• The earliest recorded use of mushrooms for their therapeutic properties can be traced to 2000 BCE in China, where the reishi mushroom was revered for its immune-boosting and longevity-promoting effects.
• In the 1950s, Western scientists began exploring the psychoactive properties of certain mushrooms, leading to the discovery of psilocybin, a compound found in “magic mushrooms.”
• By the 1970s, psilocybin and other psychedelic mushrooms gained attention for their potential in treating mental health disorders, although their use became restricted due to regulatory concerns.
• However, in the 21st century, interest in the medical applications of mushrooms, particularly for mental health treatment and immune support, has surged.
• Researchers have focused on compounds like psilocybin for depression and anxiety and others like beta-glucans for their immune-boosting benefits.
• Recent advancements in biotechnology and pharmacology have led to clinical trials and FDA-approved treatments, particularly in the context of psychedelics, reflecting a new era of medical mushroom use.
• The market for mushroom-based therapeutics has expanded as studies confirm their efficacy, contributing to growing acceptance in mainstream medicine.

(Source: Field & Forest Products)

Global Production of Mushrooms and Truffles

• From 2012 to 2022, global mushroom and truffle production showed a consistent upward trend.
• In 2012, production stood at 31.78 million metric tons, and by 2013, it had increased to 34.28 million metric tons.
• This growth continued in the following years, reaching 35.37 million metric tons in 2014 and 37.48 million metric tons in 2015.
• By 2016, production rose to 38.66 million metric tons, and further growth was recorded in 2017, with production reaching 39.81 million metric tons.
• In 2018, production increased to 40.52 million metric tons, followed by 41.71 million metric tons in 2019.
• The global production reached 42.93 million metric tons in 2020 and 44.17 million metric tons in 2021.
• By 2022, the total production of mushrooms and truffles had reached 48.34 million metric tons, reflecting a steady increase in production over the decade.

(Source: Statista)

Major Exporters of Mushrooms Worldwide

• In 2022, the global export value of fresh or chilled mushrooms was dominated by several key countries.
• Poland led the market with an export value of USD 492.56 million, followed by Canada at USD 323.39 million.
• The Netherlands ranked third, exporting mushrooms worth USD 161.82 million.
• Other notable exporters included Ireland with USD 111.4 million, China with USD 35.26 million, and Mexico with USD 29.2 million.
• Belgium exported mushrooms valued at USD 28.8 million, while the United States and the United Kingdom had export values of USD 23.03 million and USD 21.66 million, respectively.
• Lithuania rounded out the top exporters with USD 20.31 million in mushroom exports.
• These figures reflect the significant role these countries play in the global mushroom trade.

(Source: Statista)

Top Importers of Fresh or Chilled Mushrooms Worldwide

• In 2023, the top importers of fresh or chilled mushrooms globally included the United States, which led the market with an import value of USD 443.70 million, accounting for 87,016,500 kg.
• The United Kingdom followed with an import value of USD 264.46 million, importing 98,535,300 kg of mushrooms.
• Germany ranked third, with imports valued at USD 259.30 million and a quantity of 81,058,200 kg.
• Italy imported fresh or chilled mushrooms worth USD 165.23 million, totaling 25,826,400 kg, while France’s imports were valued at USD 164.01 million, amounting to 46,701,500 kg.
• The European Union as a whole imported mushrooms worth USD 131.23 million, with a quantity of 26,474,600 kg.
• The Netherlands imported USD 88.02 million worth of mushrooms, totaling 26,414,600 kg.
• Thailand’s imports were valued at USD 71.43 million, amounting to 45,244,600 kg, and Japan imported USD 51.43 million worth, totaling 2,971,080 kg.
• Belgium completed the list with imports valued at USD 46.78 million, amounting to 15,608,600 kg.
• These figures reflect the significant demand for fresh or chilled mushrooms in various international markets.

(Source: World Integrated Trade Solution)

Cost Trends

• From January 2017 to September 2024, the average retail price for mushrooms in Canada, measured per 227 grams, showed a general upward trend.
• In January 2017, the price was CAD 1.72, and by December 2023, it had risen to CAD 2.27.
• Throughout 2017, prices fluctuated between CAD 1.64 in April and CAD 1.81 in August.
• In 2018, prices remained relatively stable, ranging from CAD 1.71 in January to CAD 1.99 in August.
• The following years saw gradual increases: in 2019, prices ranged from CAD 1.84 in January to CAD 2.11 in August, while in 2020, they ranged from CAD 1.93 in January to CAD 2.32 in September.
• The price increase continued into 2021 when the highest monthly price reached CAD 2.46 in May.
• In 2022, prices peaked at CAD 2.49 in December, and in 2023, the average monthly price ranged from CAD 2.13 in September to CAD 2.49 in December.
• By September 2024, the average price had further increased to CAD 2.63.
• The data indicates consistent price growth over the years, with seasonal variations and a general upward trajectory, particularly noticeable from 2020 onward.

(Source: Statista)

Picking or Growing of Magic Mushrooms

• A survey conducted in 2016 across selected Nordic countries examined the preferences of individuals regarding the collection or cultivation of magic mushrooms.
• In Norway, 39.2% of respondents reported that they either picked magic mushrooms themselves or did so with a friend, while 8.33% indicated that they grew their own.
• In Denmark, 16.2% of participants preferred picking magic mushrooms themselves or with a friend, while a slightly higher proportion, 11.41%, opted to grow their own.
• In Finland, the tendency to grow magic mushrooms was notably higher, with 19.32% of respondents choosing to cultivate them, while only 8% preferred to pick them.
• The data highlights varying practices across the Nordic region, with Norway showing the highest preference for picking and Finland exhibiting a stronger inclination toward growing magic mushrooms.

(Source: Statista)

Chemical and Physical Properties of Psilocine 

• The chemical and physical properties of psilocine (4-Hydroxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine) are as follows: its molecular weight is 204.27 g/mol, with an exact mass and monoisotopic mass of 204.126263138 g/mol.
• The compound has an XLogP3 value of 2.1, indicating moderate lipophilicity.
• It features two hydrogen bond donors and two hydrogen bond acceptors and contains three rotatable bonds.
• The topological polar surface area is 39.3 Ų, and it has a heavy atom count of 15.
• Psilocine has a formal charge of 0 and a complexity value of 208, suggesting a relatively simple structure.
• These properties contribute to its pharmacological activity and interaction with biological systems.

(Source: PubChem)

Demographic User Insights Among Children

Age

• In 2023, a survey in England examined the proportion of children who had ever been offered various types of individual drugs, segmented by age.
• For cannabis, the percentage of children who had been offered the drug increased with age, starting at 3% for 11-year-olds, rising to 4% at age 12, and reaching 33% by age 15.
• The proportion of children offered stimulants also grew with age, from 6% at age 11 to 20% at age 15.
• Similarly, offers of psychedelics increased from 2% at age 11 to 19% at age 15.
• Opiates were offered to a smaller proportion of children, starting at 2% at age 11 and rising to 6% at age 15.
• The prevalence of being offered glue, gas, aerosols, or solvents ranged from 6% at age 11 to 11% at age 15.
• Lastly, tranquilizers were the least commonly offered drug, with the proportion increasing slightly from 1% at age 11 to 5% at age 15.
• The data reveals a clear trend of increasing exposure to drugs as children age, with cannabis and stimulants being the most commonly offered substances.

(Source: Statista)

Gender

• From 2001 to 2023, the proportion of school children in England who reported having taken magic mushrooms showed a general decline, with some fluctuations over the years.
• In 2001, 2.4% of boys and 1.7% of girls had taken magic mushrooms.
• This trend decreased in subsequent years, with boys’ usage dropping to 1.8% in 2002 and girls’ usage declining to 1.2% in the same year.
• By 2006, the proportion of boys who had taken magic mushrooms fell to 1.9%, while girls’ usage decreased significantly to 0.9%.
• The decline continued into the following years, with boys reporting 1.1% in both 2010 and 2011 and girls reporting 0.6% in 2011 and 2012.
• The lowest levels were recorded in 2013, with only 0.6% of boys and 0.4% of girls having taken magic mushrooms.
• However, there was a slight increase in the following years, with 1.1% of boys and 0.5% of girls reporting usage in 2014.
• By 2020, the proportion had risen slightly to 1% for boys and 0.8% for girls, with a small uptick recorded again in 2023, where 1.3% of boys, 0.7% of girls, and 2.6% of children identifying with another gender had reported using magic mushrooms.
• Overall, while the overall trend shows a decrease in the number of children using magic mushrooms over the two decades, there were periodic fluctuations in certain years.

(Source: Statista)

Ethnicity

• As of 2017, data on U.S. high school students who had used hallucinogenic drugs at least once revealed variations in usage by gender and ethnicity.
• Overall, 6.6% of students reported having used hallucinogens, with 5.5% of females and 7.6% of males indicating prior use.
• Among different ethnic groups, White (non-Hispanic) students had the highest prevalence of use, with 7.2% reporting use, including 6.4% of females and 7.9% of males.
• Hispanic students followed, with 7.1% reporting use, of which 5.8% were females and 8.2% were males.
• Black (non-Hispanic) students had the lowest reported use at 3.3%, with 1.4% of females and 4.8% of males having used hallucinogens.
• This data highlights gender and ethnic disparities in hallucinogenic drug use among high school students in the U.S. in 2017.

(Source: Statista)

Frequency of Psychedelic Mushroom Use Among Partygoers

• In 2015, a survey conducted among partygoers in Flanders (Belgium) examined the frequency of psychedelic mushroom use.
• The majority of respondents, 80.5%, reported never having used psychedelic mushrooms.
• A further 15.4% stated they had used them at some point but not in the past year.
• Smaller proportions of respondents indicated more regular use, with 3.6% using psychedelic mushrooms once a month or less and 0.3% using them multiple times a month.
• Very few participants reported weekly or daily use, with 0.1% using them once a week, 0% using them multiple times a week, and 0.1% using them daily.
• These results suggest that while psychedelic mushroom use was reported among some partygoers, it was relatively infrequent, with the majority of respondents either abstaining or using them sporadically.

(Source: Statista)

Clinical Trials Using Psilocybin as Medicine Worldwide

• From 2000 to 2021, the number of clinical trials using psilocybin as a treatment for various conditions varied across different phases of research.
• For depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and bipolar disorder, there were 7 Phase 1 trials and 13 Phase 2 trials.
• In the field of substance use disorder, 2 Phase 1 trials and 7 Phase 2 trials were conducted. Psilocybin was also studied for anxiety, with 5 Phase 1 trials and 1 Phase 2 trial.
• Trials for cluster headaches and migraines involved 4 Phase 1 trials and 1 Phase 2 trial.
• In the case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there were 3 Phase 1 trials and 1 Phase 2 trial. Eating disorders saw 2 Phase 1 trials and 2 Phase 2 trials.
• Psilocybin was investigated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 1 Phase 1 trial, and for AIDS, there was 1 Phase 1 trial and no Phase 2 trials.
• This distribution of trials demonstrates significant interest in psilocybin as a potential treatment for a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions, with a particularly strong focus on depression.

(Source: Statista)

Support for Use of Psilocybin in Medical Trials

Medical Trials and Treatment Support for Use of Psilocybin

• As of 2017, a survey of U.S. adults revealed that 63% supported allowing researchers to conduct medical trials using psilocybin, a psychedelic compound.
• In contrast, 12% of respondents opposed such trials, while 25% indicated that they probably would not support them.
• This data reflects a significant majority of public support for psilocybin research, with a smaller portion expressing opposition or uncertainty.

(Source: Statista)

Support for Use of Psilocybin in Medical Trials and Treatment – By Age

• As of 2017, support for allowing researchers to conduct medical trials with psilocybin varied slightly across different age groups in the U.S.
• Among adults aged 18-34 years, 65% expressed support for such trials, while 15% opposed them, and 20% were unsure, indicating they probably would not support the trials.
• In the 35-54 years age group, 63% supported psilocybin research, 13% opposed it, and 24% were uncertain.
• Among adults aged 55 years and older, 63% were in favor, 9% opposed, and 28% indicated they probably would not support the trials.
• Overall, support for psilocybin medical trials remained high across all age groups, although older adults were more likely to express uncertainty or opposition compared to younger groups.

(Source: Statista)

Support for Psilocybin-assisted Psychotherapy

• As of 2021, a survey of Canadian adults regarding the use of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy revealed that 40% of respondents agreed with allowing Canadians to use psilocybin as part of their therapy.
• An additional 28% somewhat agreed with the concept, while 4% somewhat disagreed, and 3% strongly disagreed.
• However, 26% of respondents were unsure about the idea.
• These results indicate that a majority of Canadians were either supportive or open to the idea of incorporating psilocybin into therapeutic practices, with a notable portion remaining uncertain.

(Source: Statista)

Opinion on Safe Use of Magic Mushrooms

• In 2015, a survey in Great Britain assessed public opinion on the safety of using magic mushrooms.
• The majority of respondents viewed magic mushroom use as dangerous, with 45% considering it “very dangerous” and 33% deeming it “fairly dangerous.”
• Only a small proportion felt it was safe, with 1% stating it was “very safe” and 10% considering it “fairly safe.”
• Additionally, 11% of respondents were unsure about the safety of using magic mushrooms.
• These results indicate a predominantly negative perception of the safety of magic mushrooms among the British public.

(Source: Statista)

Mushroom Drug Poisoning Statistics

Overall Distribution of Mushroom Poisoning

• From 2014 to 2018, the annual distribution of mushroom poisoning in Kermanshah, Iran, revealed notable variations in the number of cases and incidence rates.
• In 2014, there were 20,123 total patients with various types of poisoning, with 4 cases of mushroom poisoning. Moreover, the population of Kermanshah that year was 2,382,986, and there were no reported deaths, resulting in an incidence rate of 1.68 per 1,000,000 people and a mortality rate of 0.25 per 10,000.
• In 2015, the number of total patients increased to 23,146, with 5 cases of mushroom poisoning, and the population grew to 2,502,135. Further, there were no deaths, and the incidence rate rose to 2.00 per 1,000,000. In 2016, 27,036 total patients were recorded, including 16 mushroom poisoning cases, and the population reached 2,627,241.
• Again, no deaths were reported, and the incidence rate significantly increased to 6.10 per 1,000,000. The year 2017 saw 27,605 total patients, with 12 mushroom poisoning cases and a population of 2,758,603.
• One death was recorded, resulting in an incidence rate of 4.35 and a mortality rate of 0.36 per 10,000. In 2018, the number of patients rose to 22,634, with a dramatic increase in mushroom poisoning cases, which reached 156.
• The population that year was 2,896,533, and 2 deaths were reported, leading to an incidence rate of 53.86 per 1,000,000 and a mortality rate of 0.69 per 10,000.
• The P-value for the incidence rate across these years was significant (0.001), indicating a notable increase in mushroom poisoning incidents over the period.

(Source: BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology Journal – Springer Nature)

Vital Signs of Patients with Mushroom Poisoning

• A study on mushroom poisoning patients in Kermanshah province, Iran, assessed various vital signs and compared them to normal ranges.
• Regarding diastolic blood pressure, 17.6% of patients had values ≤ 60 mmHg, which is lower than the normal range of 60–80 mmHg.
• For systolic blood pressure, 15.6% of patients had readings between 121 and 140 mmHg, 1.4% had values between 141 and 160 mmHg, and 0.7% had readings ≥ 161 mmHg, all of which exceeded the normal range of 90–120 mmHg.
• 98.4% of patients’ respiratory rates were within the normal range of 12–20 breaths per minute, while 1.1% had a respiratory rate ≥ 23 bpm.
• Regarding pulse rates, 1.6% of patients had a pulse rate of 101 bpm or higher, which is above the normal range of 60–100 bpm.
• In terms of temperature, 80.4% of patients had axillary temperatures between 36.5°C and 37°C, which is considered normal, while 19% had temperatures between 37.01°C and 38°C, and 0.5% had temperatures ≥ 38.01°C.
• These findings highlight variations in vital signs among patients with mushroom poisoning, with most values falling within or near the normal ranges.

(Source: BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology Journal – Springer Nature)

Regulations for Mushroom Drug Statistics

• Regulations surrounding the use of mushrooms for medicinal purposes, particularly psychoactive varieties such as Psilocybe mushrooms, are complex and vary significantly across different countries.
• In the United States, the use of psilocybin, the active compound in certain mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
• However, recent changes in local regulations, such as in Oregon, where psilocybin was decriminalized in 2020, have paved the way for regulated medical use in specific settings.
• Similarly, Canada has permitted the use of psilocybin in therapeutic settings under specific exemptions granted by Health Canada.
• The European Union has a more restrictive stance, with most member states maintaining strict prohibitions on psilocybin. However, countries like the Netherlands allow the sale of “magic truffles,” a legally distinct form of psilocybin.
• In Australia, psilocybin remains illegal, though there is growing momentum towards potential therapeutic use, with recent government trials exploring its efficacy for mental health treatment.
• Meanwhile, in Latin America, countries like Brazil and Jamaica have more lenient regulations, with psilocybin-containing mushrooms being unregulated or legal for personal use.
• Further, as the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and other psychedelic mushrooms are increasingly studied, the regulatory landscape is evolving, with many regions considering medical trials and controlled use for conditions like depression and PTSD.
• Market potential remains high, but navigating the diverse regulatory frameworks will be key for stakeholders looking to enter the mushroom-based pharmaceutical market.

(Sources: Harris Sliwoski LLP, Health Canada, European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), Therapeutic Goods Administration – Government of Australia, Chambers and Partners, Lexology)

Recent Developments

Acquisitions and Mergers:

• MindMed’s Acquisition of Wave Neuroscience: In 2023, MindMed, a leader in psychedelic therapy, acquired Wave Neuroscience for $150 million.
• This strategic acquisition is aimed at combining MindMed’s expertise in psychedelic drugs, like psilocybin, with Wave’s advanced brainwave technology to enhance mental health treatments.
• The acquisition is expected to accelerate the development of new therapies for anxiety and depression.

Product Launches:

• Compass Pathways’ Psilocybin-Based Drug Launch: In 2023, Compass Pathways launched a synthetic psilocybin drug designed for the treatment of depression.
• Initial clinical trials in the U.S. and Europe showed that 70% of participants experienced significant improvement in their depressive symptoms.
• Compass is now working towards FDA approval by 2025.

Funding and Investments:

• Red Light Holland’s Series C Funding: In 2023, Red Light Holland, a leading psychedelics company, raised $20 million in Series C funding.
• The funds will support the expansion of the company’s psilocybin-based products, including their research on addiction treatment and PTSD.
• The company aims to capture a larger share of the growing psychedelic therapy market, projected to reach $6 billion by 2030.

Consumer Adoption:

• Growing Use of Psilocybin for Mental Health: As of 2023, over 100,000 individuals in North America are estimated to have used psilocybin for mental health treatment.
• 60% of users report significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms, and 40% of those involved in clinical trials report lasting positive effects from just one dose.

Public Opinion and Acceptance:

• Increasing Support for Psychedelic Therapies: According to a 2023 poll, 78% of Americans now support the use of psychedelics like psilocybin for medical purposes.
• This marks a significant shift in public opinion, with growing recognition of the efficacy of psychedelic treatments for mental health conditions.

Conclusion

Mushroom Drug Statistics – Mushroom-based substances, particularly psilocybin, have shown significant potential in treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Clinical trials highlight its efficacy, especially when combined with psychotherapy, prompting growing support for its medical use.

However, concerns over safety, legality, and misuse remain, with public perception varying widely. Despite these concerns, the global mushroom market continues to thrive, led by major exporters like Poland and the U.S.

As research progresses, psilocybin’s role in modern medicine is becoming more promising, though a clear regulatory framework will be crucial for its safe integration into therapeutic practices.

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